Dahlias, pronounced ‘Dah-lee-uh are native to Mexico, Central America and Columbia. Although they are not hardy enough to survive winter in our area, they bring a blast of color to your garden that last from early summer until the frost strikes in autumn. The color range is so varied it would take this entire article to list them all, including blends and markings that look hand painted. When planning your 2016 garden you should certainly consider adding dahlias on your list.
Dahlias grow from *tubers, which should be planted once the ground temperature reaches 60 degrees. In our area that would be in May when it’s time to plant tomatoes and summer vegetables. Mothers Day is considered a good time to plant these items.
Once the heat of summer approaches Dahlias grow at a rapid pace and the hardest task is deadheading, cutting off dead flowers at least once weekly. Although this practice is helpful to many flowering plants, dahlias will not be as dramatic without it, soon turning all their energy into producing seeds rather than flowers. Plant the tubers at recommended depth and pinch them back to the ground when they reach three inches. This will force to plant to produce more stems and double the amount of flowers.
Many gardeners dig the hole a few inches deeper and leave a drench to be filled in as the stems grow. This helps induce stronger shoots. Taller dahlia plants need staking. It is recommended to place the stake at planting time to avoid injuring the tubers. From less than one foot to four or six feet there are dahlias the can fit into almost every garden with enough sun. There is even a dahlia tree, ‘Dahlia Imperialis’.
For longer lasting cut flowers, set blossoms in hot water for a few minutes before placing them in an arrangement.
For the most spectacular results don’t let the plants dry out, providing one inch of water a week.
*A tuber and a bulb are different in how they look and grow but their function is the same, which is to store food and energy which helps the plants survive.
Many tender bulbs and tubers can be dug up and stored indoors over winter to be replanted the following year.
Enjoy your garden all year long,
James
(above) Dahlias add dramatic form and color to your summer garden when many other plants have stopped blooming. The choice seems as.
(above) President of The Rahway Garden Club, James Keane has been researching and answering garden questions since 1995. Visit ‘Keane Gardener’ blog at: keanegardener.blogspot.com
